Donny suggested that we spend the day in Jefferson for mother’s day. Well, heck yeah. It’s one of our favorite towns to visit. We had seen an expose on the news about how the downtown area was opening up again, so we thought we’d go see what there was to do.
We had lunch at Auntie Skinner’s. We decided to get appetizers so we could all try different dishes.
Not healthy by a long shot, but really good!
The kids love looking through the antique shops. We found one we hadn’t seen before that had a combination of new and old. Jack wanted his picture taken with Big Boy.
There was a cool piano you could sign.
I think I found my favorite store right around the corner. It’s called Made in the Shade. The name is completely deceiving from what it really is. They have really cute clothes, jewelry and well, just a lot of cool stuff. It’s also where I found my mother’s day gifts.
I love vintage spoon rings. This is from the 1950’s Jubilee collection. It was handmade in Jefferson and I just love it.
I LOVE Zum products! I have always wanted to try the 3125. There are several places that sell the Zum products in Longview, but not this exact one. I had seen it in the Indigo Wild catalog, but didn’t want to order it until I could smell it. No two smell the exact same. It’s a compilation of what the zum factory smells like when they are making the scents. Needless to say, I loved it when I sprayed it on. I can’t explain the scent, but if you ever get a chance to try it, I sure would.
After a browse through the general store, it was getting late so we decided to head home. I’d talked about how gorgeous the yellow wildflowers were that were growing by the side of the road the whole way over. Donny had saved his ginger ale bottle and he pulled over so we could pick a few. I think wildflowers are my favorite.
We ended the evening watching Angel Has Fallen with Gerard Butler. Good movie! It was a really good day! ❤
Well, we signed the lease last night. Although we haven’t gotten the moving van yet, we started taking what we could over in Felix our Flex.
The hardest thing about this move is not the downsizing, it’s that every donation place is still closed. We can’t even have a garage sale. I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but in the meantime, this is what our day looked like.
A lot of the kitchen stuff.
The kitchen is small but functional.
There is a small dining area that just barely fits our dining room table.
It’s just shoved up against the wall right now so we can move stuff in.
There is carpet in the living room and bedrooms. Not my favorite thing, but it’s clean and in good shape and we’ll make the best of it.
When I start to get overwhelmed, I just keep in mind the reasons we are doing this. We are going to be saving a lot of money each month. We love this neighborhood because it is so family friendly. We are going to be able to slow our life down. If those aren’t the best reasons ever, I don’t know what is. ❤
We took a break from packing today since it was Jack’s 13th birthday. It really bites to have a milestone birthday when your in quarantine, but we made the best out of it.
He doesn’t really like sweets, so he asked for a chicken nugget “cake” with lots if sweet and sour sauce.
He also got a newer and better phone. The one he had he’s had for 3 years and just recently locked himself out of it. We just got back from a 2 mile walk playing Pokemon Go. Whatever it takes to get him out of the house. For being quarantined, it was a fun birthday.
We’re going to sign the lease on the new house tonight. 3 more sleeps in this house then it’s go time!
One week from today we are moving. Thankfully it’s only 3 miles from where we live now, but the kicker is, the new house is half the size of the one we live in now. That means that we are going to have to purge 50% of our stuff. Yikes!
We have lived in our present house for 2 years. We made a decision as a family to find a place that was much cheaper so we could save money and pay off some debt. When we started looking there were only a little more than a dozen houses for rent and only a very few in the kids school district.
We had driven by the new one and thought that there was no way we could downsize this much, but the more we discussed it, the more it made sense. Saving $600 a month in rent, not to mention the savings in utilities, pretty much sealed the deal.
Is it scary? Yes. Is it exciting? Yes. It’s going to allow us to slow down. Spend time on things that matter. Live more intentionally.
I can’t wait to be settled in and see how this goes. Now to just get everything packed up. Wish us luck
When we sold our home and moved to Longview, the one thing I knew we would miss is our backyard. It was one of the reasons we bought the house. When we were looking for a home to rent here we had about 4 hours to find one. It was a fast trip up here and back to Baton Rouge. We actually only ended up seeing two homes, chose this one and were back on the road. It’s a on a corner, in a great neighborhood, but the backyard was the pits.
The actual backyard is divided by a chain link fence. The rest is open to the street. There is no privacy at all. It was really sad. For my daughter Hannah’s 13th birthday we decided that one of her gifts would be to fix up the backyard. She is the one that would go out everyday when she got home from school and swing on her hammock at the other house. I knew that she missed being able to have a place to go to just be outside and wind down after school.
Since we are renting, we had to do something that wouldn’t be too permanent and since we didn’t own the home it HAD to be budget friendly.
Hannah loves stepping stones. I found these square concrete blocks at Lowe’s on sale for $1.00 a block. We decided to paint them royal blue. I didn’t want to spend a lot on a tarp, so I got a plastic shower curtain at Dollar Tree and was all set.
I purchased 18 of them and sprayed them in batches.
I had picked up a hammock stand a while back at an estate sale for $4.00. It was dark green and in pieces. Nothing that a little white spray paint couldn’t take care of. Also, shout out to Google for helping me figure out how to put this thing together.
I found the perfect hammock at Walmart for $19.99.
It’s super comfy
My go to place for outdoor decor used to be Dirt Cheap. In Baton Rouge is was 3 minutes from our home. The closest one now is in Tyler which is about 45 minutes. Donny and I made the trip because I was sure that we would find something we could use. Sure enough, we found a Target hammered metal table that we drilled holes in, turned upside down and now use as a firepit. It was only $20. We also found some folding lawn chairs that were in the perfect colors. We were going to use adirondack chairs again, but I liked these better because we could sit more upright. They also remind me of the chairs from my childhood.
The chairs were only $9 a piece. We used two 8ft landscaping timbers that we purchased at Lowe’s for about $3.50 each. We just cut them in half to make a square and filled around the firepit with small river rocks. We used 4 bags at about $3.00 per bag, also from Lowe’s
I stained the timbers dark walnut just so they wouldn’t look so new. I like more of the reclaimed wood look.
I purchased two adirondack chairs from Lowe’s. I think they were about $17 a piece. I was in Aldi a few days ago and they had them for $12.99. That’s the best price I’ve seen so far. I might have to pick a few more up at that price.
Because it wouldn’t be complete unless we had some bright and little weird decor I decided that we should have a chalkboard. I didn’t want to buy one so I used a mirror we already had that was gifted to me. I spray painted the frame spring green that we already had and just painted the mirror with chalkboard spray paint. I only used one can and it cost a little over $5.
The little shutters on either side of the chalkboard were picked up at a garage sale for 50 cents a piece. They were yellow, but I painted them vintage teal with paint I already had. There is a metal planter underneath that I drilled holes in the bottom of, to let the rain drain out, that holds the chalk. It came from Dollar Tree.
I found these cute metal flowers at Dollar General for $5.50 a flower. I think they are adorable and add just the right amount of whimsy
Because we love Mardi Gras, I decided to make an ode to Mardi Gras hanging.
You can’t tell by this picture, but it is so sparkly in the sun. I believe in using what you have and since we had bags of beads I knew I wanted to use them in the yard somehow. The only thing I had to buy was the sun wind chime that was a dollar at Dollar Tree.
I hung a stained glass wind chime and a bouncing butterfly in the tree over the chairs.
I spray painted some baskets I had to make a flower for the fence.
Another one of Hannah’s gifts was a saucer swing. The picture is from Easter because when I took these pictures the swing and stand hadn’t come in yet.
She loves it and spends a lot of time outside now.
I think that the yard turned out great. Especially because we hardly spent any money to do it. It’s got fun happy colors and little surprises tucked in where you least expect them.
Today was beautiful but we had other things we had to get done. With our changing schedule our home had been neglected lately so we decided a deep clean was in order.
That included A LOT of laundry:
How embarrassing is this? The kids sorted theirs and added it to ours in the bathroom. I’m happy to report that it is washed and put away. Well, I have a load of towels that just came out of the dryer that I need to fold.
This basket from Dollar Tree has been so handy. I keep all my deep cleaning products in it and just store it in the garage when I’m not using it. It’s pretty sturdy for being just a buck.
Today was the basic tools. I decided to mop instead of using my crosswave and sweep instead of using the broom vac. I did finally find a new standing dust pan. Actually Donny found it when we were in Home Depot recently, My other one was so old it wasn’t laying flat on the floor anymore. It’s the little things, y’all. With 3 cats and 2 dogs it gets a lot of use.
I am super proud of the kids for getting their rooms done and helping me out with various jobs without complaining. We decided to reward our hard work with a walk around our neighborhood. It finally feels like Spring outside.
The past two days have been gloomy, overcast and rainy. There were however some bright spots. Yesterday my friend Katelyn and I were able to talk on the phone. Her and her husband recently moved just outside Portland, Oregon and have been busy setting up house. When we talk it is always a marathon phone call trying to catch up on everything going on in our lives. Don’t you love having a friend that you can just be yourself with? That is Katelyn. We are like two peas in a pod.
Today is one of Donny’s day off so he went to work with me to help me out. I did not want to wake up this morning, but we did and knocked it out right before the bottom fell out of the sky. This is my treat for breakfast. I can justify it because I actually burn more calories at work than I do when I run. Seriously, and it’s weird.
Yep, fake Froot Loops! Jack, Hannah and I eat them every day. They taste exactly like the real deal and are only about $1.80 at Aldi. Cereal is one of my favorite foods, hands down. Donny is not a big cereal eater or sandwich eater. I find that odd. He also doesn’t really love the beach either. He is a trooper though and will always go with us without complaining (much).
Since it was a lazy day Donny suggested Sonic. We hadn’t been in forever. I like to get the wacky pack kids meal. Just the perfect amount of food. My kids have long passed the kids meal days, but I still like them. Look at my cute little toy I got inside.
I think I’ll put him to live on the side of one of my plant pots. Also, I think Sonic has some of the best Dr. Pepper around. Best ice too!
Now I’m just going to lounge on the couch waiting for Survivor tonight. It’s been a good lazy day!
My Monday started off with a chocolate catastrophe. Not the exact way I like my day to start. When I got home I jumped in the shower to destickify and realized something very sad:
My very favorite shower wash, that I got at Ross (I think) at Christmas time, is almost out. We had used Dr. Teal’s Charcoal watch for a while and then I found this one and I wish I would have bought the other bottles they had at the time.
The fragrance is called Safari Essence. It starts off smelling of spearmint and then you get a soft woodsy smell that is just heavenly. I can walk into our bathroom an hour after Donny has gotten out and still smell it. And now I can’t find it anywhere. It’s made in California, but it must be discontinued, because Ross has sold out and I can’t find it anywhere online. I am so sad. I’m not going to give up. I WILL keep looking for it. Smell is SO important to me and I just love this one. Really, really love!
Another smell I am loving so much right now is this:
Yes, I am a product sniffer. I will not buy something if I don’t love the smell. Right now I have been loving the bright fresh smell of ginger. This shampoo and conditioner doesn’t disappoint. Plus, it makes my hair so soft. Donny even told me that my hair smelled so good. It’s definitely a keeper and I hope this doesn’t get discontinued.
I need to give a shout out to this product. My carpal tunnel was acting up so bad that I couldn’t even type. I started using this at night under my wrist splint and during the day when I would think about it. It has helped so much. Just don’t put it on your face when you have sinus issues. It could make your eyes water and sting really bad. Not that I tried it……
Just a note so I won’t forget. Yorkshire Pudding was a huge hit at dinner. It’s an English dish that is eaten with the Sunday roast dinner. I would have taken a picture, but this is all that was left. The kids scarfed them down pretty quickly. I used the Gordan Ramsay recipe I found on pinterest. It’s very easy to make too.
Today is looking overcast and yucky. Hopefully it will clear up soon so we can get our day officially started.
It’s that time again, springing forward. At least it’s spring break so we have some time to get used to it. Since I get up between 4:30 and 5 every morning for work, this morning was a bit rough. Yesterday flared my carpal tunnel up so I slept poorly. Donny graciously agreed to come with me this morning to help me with some heavy stuff that would have taken me forever. Bless this man I married.
We were planning on going to church so I jumped in the shower, got dressed. Makeup and hair straightening to boot, and no one would wake up. I swear it was like they were all in comas. So this is where I ended up for a few hours.
There is just something about a cool, almost cold, house and a quilt. It was glorious.
Once Donny got up he decided that we needed to eat. Bodacious Barbecue it was and it was so good.
I’m not a huge bbq lover, but today it just hit the spot. The others had ribs and brisket, but the sausage is my favorite. You can’t go wrong with their potato salad and cole slaw either.
Can’t have a lazy day without a movie.
Happy Gilmore for the win. This is the scene with Bob Barker. I haven’t seen this movie in ages. Still funny.
My goal for spring break is to get the kids outside every day. It doesn’t matter if I’m bone tired, I’m just going to suck it up and do it. So to the trails it was. It was a very nice day for the park. I found that once I get out and get moving I have so much more energy anyway.
Donny checking out the hole in the tree. I swear we check it every time. I guess we are waiting for our own Boo Radley.
Doesn’t every park have an oil pumper in it?
Thanks to the rain we’ve had lately, we found a little waterfall.
In just a few weeks these trees will be bursting with green. I can’t wait.
Now for The Walking Dead and then bed. This season has been really good so far. I record it so I can fast forward through commercials because there are a lot of commercials!
P.S. I normally journal in an actual journal. Since my carpal tunnel has reared it’s ugly head I haven’t been able to hand write. So, I have decided to use my blog to journal. Plus, I’ve always wanted to add pics to my journal book. Now I have the chance to.
Today has been such an awesome day. I had lunch with my little man at his school. Hannah has a Mardi Gras dance tonight so I ran by Walmart to see if I could find something for her to wear. Not living in Louisiana anymore has put a damper on finding Mardi Gras attire. Like I can’t find a mardi gras t-shirt anywhere. But I did find my most favorite wax melt scent.
I have a slight problem with my love of wax melts. I try to be a minimalist in most areas of my life, but I struggle with anything that smells good.
I love diffusing oil and burning candles, but lately my new love is wax melts.
I realize that some people have much more than this, but to me, this is A LOT. Not to mention the 5 new packs I added today. I almost get giddy when I see the new summer fragrances. Now to my VERY favorite new summer scent.
Coconut Cabana Linen is just amazing. I can barely smell coconut in it. To me it smells gingery, lemony and just clean. My Walmart has been out of it for weeks and for some reason you can’t order it online. Today I hit the jackpot and it had been restocked. The smell just makes me happy. In fact, I have it going right now. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Here are some more of the new summer scents that I also purchased a few weeks ago.
My friend Jen’s favorite is White Tahitian Woods. I am NOT a floral person, but this one smells really good. It has a slight floral smell, but not overwhelming. It’s the only floral one that I own.
Pure White Woods is more of a clean woodsy scent. It has a more masculine fragrance. I love melting this one. It just smells good.
Clear Blue Oasis smells like the beach, which I love. I would definitely purchase this one again. Anything beachy is good by me.
Caribbean Sea Breeze is good. It’s a little too sweet smelling for me to use all the time. I’ll probably just use it as a one day different scent fill in.
Beach Please is my favorite out of the beachy scents I purchased. It’s like the baby bear of scents. Not too sweet, not too strong, just right. I love it. It’s a very relaxing fragrance. When I melt it my whole house smells like a wonderful beach day. The best kind of day.
Mojave Sunset Sands is my least favorite. For some reason it smells grapey to me. I don’t hate it, I just don’t love it.
I found two scents that were on clearance that I really am happy that I purchased.
Apple Crisp Tea was considered a Fall fragrance and I have no idea why. I’m not going to argue the point because I got them for 50 cents each. It smells like fresh apples with a hint of tea. I will melt these all year long. Seriously, if you like apple scents check out the clearance section and give it a sniff. It’s good.
My two favorites out of the ones I’ve purchased in the past couple of weeks are these. I’ve already mentioned the Coconut Cabana Linen, but I found this random pack of Frankincense & Patchouli just sitting by the candles. Oh my gosh, this is amazing too. I found that I can still order this online so I will be doing that in the next couple of days. It’s a calming happy scent and it lasts.
I know a lot of people really love scentsy. I get that, but I just cannot pay that kind of price for wax melts or warmers. These are all 2 dollars. That’s it. If you can find a scent you like on clearance they range from a buck to 50 cents. I am all about a bargain and that’s what these are. Plus they fill your whole home with smell good.
I have 3 warmers in my home. Two are electric and were less than 7 dollars at Walmart.
This one is in our bedroom.This one is in our family room.
Both of these completely fill my home with fragrance. I also use one I picked up at Dollar Tree. It’s the kind that you use a tea light in and I like it because I can just put it where I want it and don’t have to worry about a plug.
I haven’t noticed a difference in the scent output between the electric ones and the tea light one. I was pretty impressed with the different styles and colors that Dollar Tree carries. Plus just look at how cute this one is. I have a lot of turquoise in my home so this blends in perfectly.
If you find yourself in Walmart at the wax melts you should stop and give them some sniffs. You might find your signature scent that you just absolutely love. If you do, my advice is to pick up some extra. These little beauties sell out fast. I learned that the hard way.
Donny suggested that we spend the day in Jefferson for mother’s day. Well, heck yeah. It’s one of our favorite towns to visit. We had seen an expose on the news about how the downtown area was opening up again, so we thought we’d go see what there was to do.
The Funky Frugalista 